Sunset Dunes: The Right Side of History
Sunset Dunes supporters
By Joel Engardio
San Francisco will only realize its full potential if we do bold and positive things like create Sunset Dunes and build the housing our kids and grandkids will need to stay here.
Sunset Dunes is a success. It’s one of the most-visited parks in San Francisco. There’s no reason to keep fighting over a park and a road when the park is popular and traffic is fine. It’s time to focus on more pressing issues like affordability, protecting our immigrant community, and everything else that has the world on fire.
It’s time to consider Sunset Dunes settled. The feared traffic “carmageddon” never came but the park’s benefits are real. Sunset Dunes is good for the environment, provides a boost to local businesses, and brings joy and well-being to everyone enjoying their coast in new ways. Let’s be proud that San Francisco is home to the largest pedestrianization project in California history.
Before long, a majority everywhere will wonder why this was ever a controversy. We won’t be able to imagine San Francisco without a coastal park and all the happiness it offers. Sunset Dunes will be on the right side of history.
Sunset Dunes
The best outcome
I understand the Great Highway was a symbol of America’s great car culture over the past century. There is a strong emotional connection to the open road. I’ve heard many seniors express nostalgia for the time when teenagers held drag races on the Great Highway. Giving up the road can feel like losing a part of themselves. That’s why accepting change can be difficult, especially when it’s beyond anyone’s control.
The bad news is the southern section of the Great Highway fell into the ocean from severe coastal erosion. The road south of Sloat was going to be closed by state mandate regardless of Sunset Dunes. We lost the convenient connection to Daly City and traffic was going to have to divert inland no matter what. Mother Nature gave us a lemon.
The good news is everyone can still get where they need to go. The northern section of the Great Highway is still open to cars and there are alternative routes for the southern and middle sections. Traffic studies show minimal impact, while the benefits of the park are proving to be immense. Converting the middle section of the Great Highway into Sunset Dunes is the best outcome for the situation. It’s the lemonade.
Severe coastal erosion on the southern section of the Great Highway meant the road was going to close by state mandate south of Sloat regardless of Sunset Dunes.
The southern section of the Great Highway was going to close no matter what. Traffic had to divert inland, either at Sloat (red line) or Lincoln (blue line). Diverting at Lincoln and using the parallel Sunset Boulevard is the same distance as the Great Highway route — and allows for the creation of Sunset Dunes between Lincoln and Sloat. The Great Highway remains open to cars north of Lincoln and the connection between the Sunset and Richmond neighborhoods is unchanged.
What about getting to important places like the VA hospital in the Richmond district? Most routes haven’t changed. The Great Highway remains open to cars 24/7 on the northern section that actually connects the Sunset and Richmond neighborhoods.
Sunset Dunes is the middle section of the Great Highway — the two miles of road that entirely bypassed Sunset neighborhoods between Lincoln and Sloat. There’s never been access ramps for cars on that stretch. When a resident in central Sunset drove to the VA hospital, they didn’t use the section of the Great Highway that’s now Sunset Dunes. They used the route that’s still open today.
Drivers traveling to and from Daly City were always going to have to change their route because the southern section of the Great Highway was closing whether Sunset Dunes existed or not.
Thankfully, the six-lane Sunset Boulevard is nearby. It’s taking most of the former four-lane Great Highway traffic on a parallel path — and remains under capacity. A reconfigured intersection at Lincoln and Great Highway with dual left and right turn lanes makes it easier than ever for traffic to go around Golden Gate Park and avoid the congestion of cutting through it.
A lot of effort is being focused on pedestrian safety. This is something everyone can agree on — though it's disappointing to see park opponents continue to fearmonger over traffic instead of focusing on facts.
Supporting democracy
When Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi attended the first-ever Fourth of July parade at what would become Sunset Dunes, Prop K was already functioning as a stress test for local democracy.
Top: The Sunset Community Band at Sunset Dunes for the 2024 Fourth of July parade. Bottom: Nancy Pelosi and Joel Engardio speak to the crowd
Prop K had been introduced by myself and four other supervisors to convert the middle section of the Great Highway into a permanent park. But the content on the November 2024 ballot was not yet finalized. Park opponents demanded I remove my signature and lobby the other supervisors to remove theirs to keep Prop K off the ballot.
They resorted to intimidation and bullying tactics. They waved a recall petition in my face and threatened to submit it if I didn’t comply by their deadline. They even threatened to organize a boycott of the popular Sunset Night Market.
We refused to remove our signatures. And I will always remember what Pelosi told the crowd gathered at the Great Highway to celebrate our nation’s birth. In a democracy, she said, “everybody has a say. Everybody might not have his or her way at the end of the day, but at least they know their voices will be heard.”
Park opponents had ample say, starting with the first citywide ballot measure on the Great Highway — which they sponsored. Prop I in 2022 asked voters to keep cars on the road seven days a week. It failed by a significant margin. Undeterred, they filed multiple appeals to the Board of Appeals and the California Coastal Commission to bring cars back full time. Every effort failed.
As a candidate for supervisor in 2022, I opposed Prop I. At debates I said it would kill a weekend-only park and prevent the creation of a full-time park. My campaign website talked about the opportunity to turn the middle section of the Great Highway into a permanent park. I’ve always said the future of the coast should be a park.
After being elected supervisor, I met with advocates on both sides. The issue had been in the public forum and incessantly debated for years. Everyone’s position was well known — and entrenched. A resolution was needed and I supported democracy by giving people more choice at the ballot box about what to do with their coast.
I did extensive public education about Prop K and what it would and wouldn’t do. I even made an explanatory video with on-the-scene reporting from the Great Highway. Prop K sought more voter clarity by asking a simple question: do you want a permanent park or not?
The only other way to resolve the Great Highway debate was to have supervisors legislate a park. Instead of speaking at the ballot box, residents could have given public comment for and against as the legislation moved through City Hall.
Yet many Sunset residents told me they were frustrated by the ballot measure. They said their voices would have been more heard through a legislative process. I want to apologize to all residents who felt unheard. No person or process is perfect. This was a lasting lesson and I will always strive to do a better job listening to everyone’s concerns.
It’s important to note, however, that a majority of supervisors supported Prop K. That means a legislative process would have likely had the same outcome.
It’s also important to note that Prop K allowed for more public debate in the most open, democratic, and transparent process possible. Every voter had an equal say because the coast belongs to everyone.
Yet park opponents won’t accept what voters have been saying. After losing their own Prop I, park opponents tried to block Prop K from being voted on. When they lost again at the polls, they spent a year recalling me. But my recall had no bearing on Prop K. So they sued to invalidate the measure and the will of the people. A judge dismissed the case. Now they want a do-over ballot measure. When will it end?
Sunset Dunes opening ceremony April 12, 2025. Photo by Carlo Velasquez/SF Standard.
It’s time to accept our new coastal park and the benefits it offers all San Franciscans.
When Pelosi stood on the Great Highway at the Fourth of July parade in 2024, Sunset Dunes was not yet a reality but she could see its potential. Pelosi looked out at the families, the kids in decorated wagons, the Chinese senior dance group, the LGBTQ marching band, the folk singers, the picnic spreads — all with the backdrop of a magnificent coast.
“This is a dream,” she said. “It’s a dream and let’s hope that it can come true.”
Scenes from the first-ever Fourth of July parade at Sunset Dunes.
San Francisco’s future
As Sunset Dunes became more popular, the movement for my recall had to find other issues beyond the park to rally around. They began to focus their anger on my support for more housing density. This raises some important questions about the future of San Francisco. Do we want to be a city that only looks to preserve the past? Or do we want to be a forward-looking and innovative city that keeps our families and workers here while welcoming new people, immigrants, and ideas?
I support progress, whether it’s open spaces where people can connect with each other or the housing we need to accommodate newcomers and let our adult kids and essential workers stay in San Francisco. If we never changed anything in San Francisco, the Sunset would still be sand dunes.
Joel Engardio at Sunset Dunes. Photo by Lauren Segal/New York Times.
San Francisco cannot claim to be a progressive city when it fears change. Let’s be the most progressive city that improves the lives of our residents by embracing the future.
The Golden Gate Bridge faced a lot of resistance when it was proposed. Detractors called it an "upside down rat trap.” Thankfully, forward-looking people had the courage to build it anyway and create the icon of our city.
This is the story of Sunset Dunes, and I invite you to visit.
Sunset Dunes has become one of San Francisco's most popular parks because it is a transformational space that connects people to something bigger than themselves. The power of the ocean. The beauty of the sunset. Where a child can learn to ride a bike and dream. Where a senior can roll in a wheelchair and remember. A space for every facet of life. To celebrate, mourn, heal, and reflect.
At Sunset Dunes, you will see people of all backgrounds and families of every definition enjoying the coast. They are creating community with each holiday and cultural celebration, music concert, art exhibit, and yoga class held in the park.
Go to Sunset Dunes and find new ways to connect with nature. Discover the diverse food and shops of the Sunset neighborhoods. Be inspired by your coast, your community, and your new coastal park.
A Deeper Look…
Joel Engardio speaks to political science graduates at San Francisco State University in 2024.
What would Jimmy Carter do?
When I gave the commencement speech for political science graduates at San Francisco State University in 2024, I told the class:
“You are charged with analyzing and navigating some of the world’s most intractable issues. But if you want to practice your skills for the State Department or the United Nations, go to any neighborhood association meeting in San Francisco and ask the following questions: Should the Great Highway be a highway for cars or a park for people? Where should we build housing? How tall can the buildings be?”
I remember that line drew some knowing laughter from the audience.
Then I said: “Dare to answer those questions and you risk being kicked out of office as a one-term supervisor.”
Another laugh line, because comedy is found in the painful truth.
I told the graduates about the plaque above my desk that says “What Would Jimmy Carter Do?”
A one-term president. But history has shown the wisdom of his views on human rights, the economy, and the environment.
He put solar panels on the roof of the White House nearly 50 years ago. And when Jimmy Carter lost his 1980 re-election campaign, the new president — Ronald Reagan — tore out those solar panels. America doubled down on the gas and oil industry. Imagine how much better the world would be if we had followed Jimmy Carter’s vision and spent the past half century focused on advancing renewable energy.
I wish more elected officials had the courage of Jimmy Carter. Imagine if Bay Area leaders in the 1960s had more courage when planning BART. We would have train tunnels from downtown to the westside and under 19th Avenue. BART would go to Marin in the north, San Jose in the south, with multiple crossings to the East Bay.
But it wasn’t politically popular. And political survival usually comes first. Does anyone remember the names of county supervisors from the 1960s? Even mayors and governors are eventually forgotten.
We may not know their names, but we would be grateful if they had created the public transportation system we so desperately need today. That's why we must ask: What decisions are elected officials making today that people will appreciate in 50 years, even if they aren’t remembered?
That’s why I ask myself: What would Jimmy Carter do?
I believe he would have supported Sunset Dunes because it was the courageous thing to do.
When the world is on fire
I knocked on thousands of doors last year and talked to Sunset residents of every background. One woman stands out in how she summed everything up:
“Why are we arguing about Sunset Dunes when the world is on fire? We need to focus on more important things like saving our democracy.”
I agree. Our immigrant community is under attack. LGBTQ people are being targeted. Science-based institutions are being dismantled. A generation has grown up in a culture of mass shootings. We have a mental health crisis. The cost of housing and healthcare makes it impossible for many to survive.
Supervisors don’t have the powers of a governor or senator. But there is a lot they can do locally to fight what’s on fire in the world. Our Sanctuary City policy matters. Our housing and zoning policies matter. How we run our Department of Public Health matters.
And when it comes to the literal fires all over California, it matters how we approach the existential threat of climate change.
The Great Highway is a climate change issue. The southern section of the road is falling into the ocean from severe coastal erosion. The convenient connection to Daly City was going to close by state mandate no matter what. Cars had to divert inland no matter what. Given this reality, we created a new coastal park called Sunset Dunes. And the sky didn’t fall.
The reality of Sunset Dunes
Traffic studies show that cars are getting where they need to go with minimal impact. Fears of gridlock never materialized.
The Great Highway remains open between the Sunset and Richmond neighborhoods. Traffic flow improvements on Lincoln Way and Sunset Boulevard let drivers get to Daly City and back in a similar time and distance as before. It’s easier than ever to go around Golden Gate Park instead of cutting through it at Chain of Lakes. We’re also putting a lot of attention on traffic calming in the avenues to keep pedestrians safe.
The creation of Sunset Dunes benefits the environment and the well-being of every visitor who now has more access to their coast than ever before. It’s even been a boost for small businesses in the area. Meanwhile, Sunset Dunes has become one of the most-visited parks in San Francisco.
We should ask why so much vitriol and anger over something so positive and beneficial to everyone?
A place for newcomers
There was a lot of ugly rhetoric and disinformation spread online about Sunset Dunes and my recall. It was disappointing to see so much fearmongering over welcoming new people to the Sunset.
Opposition to Sunset Dunes became synonymous with opposition to new housing. The catchphrase “Don’t let Ocean Beach become Miami Beach” stoked fears of rampant development that is simply not true. Our city charter forbids development on park land, and Sunset Dunes is a park. The streets along Sunset Dunes were never under consideration for upzoning in the mayor’s housing plan. Our coast will not become Miami Beach.
Yet park advocates were labeled as “dangerous” by recall leaders for supporting something that will attract “new people” and “a different type of people with a whole different set of values and visions” to the Sunset.
This rhetoric does not represent our city’s values. San Francisco has always been a place for newcomers — most notably during the Summer of Love. Every new immigrant, artist, LGBTQ person, and innovator makes our city better.
We need to build more housing in San Francisco and the west side, especially near public transit. All cities in California need to do this because suburban sprawl is terrible for the environment. And it's terrible for public health. But above all, suburban sprawl is terrible because it limits access to economic opportunity.
The refusal to build enough affordable housing in San Francisco has forced more people to the suburbs. And this includes some very important people a city needs to function — our first responders, teachers, and essential workers. We’re forcing them to live far away and commute back into the city. Even our adult kids and grandkids have to move away.
But they can stay in San Francisco if we embrace some apartment buildings in every neighborhood. There is precedent. We built six-story apartment buildings on Irving Street a century ago when the Sunset was transformed from sand dunes into neighborhoods. We can start building them again.
If we want to keep our families and workers here, then we have to be good stewards of the environment. We will have to accept some taller apartment buildings near public transportation. And we will have to accept creating some safe spaces for walkers and cyclists.
That’s not asking a lot. No one is banning single-family homes. We’re only talking about some six-story apartment buildings. No one is banning cars. Far from it. We’re only talking about some cars taking a slightly different route.
How are we ever going to come together and address our biggest issues — like climate change — if we cannot build an apartment building or change our driving habits without it becoming an ugly battle over who deserves to live in a neighborhood and define its character?
Be like Dorothy
If we never changed anything in San Francisco, we wouldn’t have residents like Dorothy Lathan. Dorothy was one of the first Black residents allowed to buy a home in the Sunset — a few years after baseball star Willie Mays was denied on the westside.
Dorothy has lived across from the Great Highway for more than six decades. She contributed to our city as an educator and community leader. Dorothy’s presence is the benefit of change. And she embraces it. She loves Sunset Dunes.
Dorothy Lathan with Joel Engardio at Sunset Dunes.
My favorite image of Dorothy is seeing her at a Sunset night market, a cane in one hand and a margarita in the other, bopping to the music. At 93, she is the antithesis of the angry old man who yells at clouds.
Dorothy is more fun to be around. Let’s be more like Dorothy and create our best San Francisco.
People will soon forget why Sunset Dunes was controversial. And we won’t be able to imagine San Francisco without it.
Like the woman I met at the door said: “Why are we arguing about Sunset Dunes when the world is on fire? We need to focus on more important things like saving our democracy.”
I’m certain Jimmy Carter would have said amen to that.
Farewell speech at San Francisco Board of Supervisors.
My record as a supervisor:
Not every resident is going to agree with their elected supervisor on every issue 100 percent of the time. Many residents supported me on issues like public safety, education, and small business — even if they disagreed with me on Sunset Dunes. After the park became a reality, some remained opposed to it. Others changed their mind. They said traffic was not as bad as they feared and they started enjoying the park. Support for Sunset Dunes will only grow.
The question “What Would Jimmy Carter Do?” was on my mind for a number of issues that divided the Board of Supervisors and the public. I voted for the Gaza ceasefire resolution, I defended our Sanctuary City policy, I called for the release of the Banko Brown video, and I stood with labor when the vote wasn’t unanimous. I faced a lot of pressure to vote differently, but I voted my conscience.
I’m proud of that. And I’m proud of what my office has done for the Sunset district in my nearly three years as supervisor.
While we didn’t solve world peace, I made sure we prioritized the tangible things we could do to improve the daily lives of residents. We focused on the actual things a supervisor can do:
Created an online fix-it form to upload a photo of a problem that needs fixing. Our fixed-it file addressed thousands of constituent issues from pot hole patching to playground repairs.
Launched the Sunset Night Market with community partners. It attracted tens of thousands of people to the Sunset to support local businesses. We also proved what’s possible for night markets on commercial corridors citywide. Now they’re everywhere and that’s wonderful.
Legislated opportunities for homeowners to build and sell backyard in-law units — giving longtime residents options to downsize and create family wealth.
Legislated taller apartment buildings on corner lots so families can stay in San Francisco. It allows for a ground floor amenity like a grocery or cafe that the entire neighborhood can benefit from.
Protected the coast from high rise development and stopped the avenues along the Sunset Boulevard greenbelt from being up-zoned.
Worked with parent advocates and sponsored Prop G, which provided the public pressure the school district needed to bring back 8th grade algebra after a decade of delay.
Secured a million dollars in relief funding for merchants who were struggling during the L-Taraval train construction.
Helped restore funding for civil legal services and food security for seniors in the city budget.
Met with every officer at Taraval police station and visited the firehouses to hear directly what our first responders need. I also created a civilian public safety liaison to assist crime victims. They run crime prevention programs in English, Cantonese, and Mandarin.
Brought more foot patrols to merchant corridors with a program that lets recently retired officers return to the beat — and supported the mayor’s plan to expand and improve the program to help solve the SFPD staff shortage.
Restored parking access along Lower Great Highway, which had been overtaken with RVs.
Delivered city and state investments to make the greenway along Sunset Boulevard green again after it had fallen into disrepair over the years. Residents had long asked for Rec and Park gardeners and they’re finally coming. Now the two miles of parkland along Sunset Boulevard can connect Lake Merced and Golden Gate Park to create an emerald necklace of San Francisco that extends to the coast. This includes Sunset Dunes — our new park created from a section of the Great Highway.
Politicians come and go, but the creation of Sunset Dunes will benefit countless lives for generations to come. It was the largest pedestrianization project ever in California. Long after I’m retired, I look forward to walking and sitting in Sunset Dunes with my husband enjoying the ocean air and view. I hope you join us.
What to know more? Read these blog posts:
Case Against Recall
Case For Prop K
Debunking Disinformation
Farewell Speech Transcript